Sefen is a name of ancient Anglo-Saxon origin and comes from a family once having lived in the county of Worcester. Sefen is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. During the Middle Ages, as society became more complex, individuals needed a way to be distinguishable from others. Toponymic surnames were developed as a result of this need. Various features in the landscape or area were used to distinguish people from one another. In this case the original bearers of the surname Sefen were named due to their close proximity to the river Severn.

Early Origins of the Sefen family

The surname Sefen was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Sefen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sefen research.Another 247 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1300 and 1675 are included under the topic Early Sefen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sefen Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Sefen has been recorded under many different variations, including Severne, Severn, Seven, Sevens, Severin, Seffern, Sefferin and many more.

Early Notables of the Sefen family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Sefen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sefen family to the New World and Oceana

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Sefen or a variant listed above: Charles Severin settled in Philadelphia in 1834; Samuel Severn settled in Maryland in 1774; Arthur Severne settled in Virginia in 1654; Benjamin Severn arrived in Philadelphia in 1813.

The Sefen Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.